Notice regarding Coronavirus...Read More

Our Family Serving Your Family For More Than 40 Years

972.241.9100

Plan Ahead

Mark McClain

Obituary

Mark Edward McClain – Husband, Father, Teacher, Brother, Friend

When we look at the life of our ancestors, too often all we know about them is the year they were born, the year they were married, and the year they passed on. We don’t know about the bright Spring days they looked upon the fresh green growth, saw the flowers and birds, smelled the Spring rain, and were glad to be alive. We don’t know about the first time they saw their true love, or their newborn child, and felt a powerful gladness of heart!

Life is a journey of happiness and fear, pain and joy, determination and the exultation of overcoming the many difficulties we face in the path we tread – our “small victories”. Each of these feelings is life itself. All of us have been a part of Mark’s journey through the joy and pain that are the essence of our existence, and finally to the arms of God. As you read his family’s memories, take a moment to think of the time you shared with him on his path, and do not mourn his passing, but smile and celebrate his contribution to your life – be glad you were an important part of his existence, even if only for a brief time. Here are the memories of those who loved and shared with him; I use their words to reveal their love of the man.

YOUTH

Mark was born in 1956 in Dallas, Texas; the son of Dorothy (Nana) and Mac (Papa) McClain. He was the youngest of five siblings: Pat, Kathy, Mike, and Bryan. Mark was only 2 years younger than brother Bryan, and they were very close growing up; but he shared this closeness with all of his family. He and Bryan started a family ritual of hugging and kissing their loved ones, which spread through the family and to friends. He attended George B. Dealey grade school, Benjamin Franklin Jr. High, and Hillcrest High School. Terra says “He attended Texas State University (Texas State Technical College I think when he went there) and Collin College. Pat: “He was on the fencing team, and I believe the team won state” He also graduated from Control Data Institute Magna Cum Laude.

MARRIAGE

Morgan, his third daughter: “He saw my mom at that party and said to his friend “I have to know that girl!” Then he proceeded to take his date home and introduced himself to the woman who became his wife and mother of his children. That’s what he told me when I asked how they met.”

Jan, his wife and life partner: “We met at a party, in which he brought another date. He saw me, took his date home came back and introduced himself. He walked me back to my apartment and we started dating a week later. Mark was an intelligent, talented person which attracted me to him.  He loved to create dishes with his culinary talent and have me try foods made differently that I normally wouldn’t touch.”

FAMILY

Terra:  “He passed along his love of cooking with us and even created the best BBQ recipe ever (I’m not biased) with Katie, and named it K8TQ. Adding to the teaching, intelligence, and talent – He helped us girls with our school projects, like building toothpick & file folder bridges and many science fair projects, and he was typically the mastermind behind them. He was always supportive of our endeavors, from being a drill team dad, building props for performances, to a show choir-dad sharing his love of music. In true McClain fashion, he welcomed everyone into our family and cared for our best friends like they were his own kids. He was excited to be a grandpa and cherished the short time he had with the babies.”

Morgan: “When teaching us, instead of giving us the answers, he gave us the tools to find the answers ourselves. Instilling us with a thirst for knowledge. He was always so excited to teach us and he always had the right answers. He gifted us with a love of books and music by spending hours talking about the authors and their writing styles as well as listening to songs of all genres with a quirky smile on his face.”

Katie, second daughter: “He liked to make us laugh and was never short of corny Dad jokes, and cycled through a lot of the same ones. He had the best hugs – he would embrace you with all the love and life force in his body.

LIFE

Pat, his sister: “way too many memories are crowding in, but here are some. Mark lived to help other people, and when I asked him for help I got about ten times more than I could have expected, all offered with love and grace because of his gracious spirit. He was extremely talented and intelligent and it was exciting to see the things he came up with, whether it was his marvelous color sense at the age of four, his exacting and imaginative cuisine later on, his broad knowledge of music, his sharing of the mysteries he loved, or any of the myriad things with which he enriched our lives. “

Terry Orr, brother-in-Law: “Mark was a joy as a child. I had no experience with toddlers when he came into our family and seeing this little guy with his own personality was a revelation.”

Sean Orr: “Being four years older than me, Mark was more like a big brother than an uncle. He introduced me to the music of Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull amongst many other great bands. Later, when he came home from attending SWTSU, he introduced me to Asleep at The Wheel, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, and one of my favorite all time albums, Bob Wills for the Last Time. A phenomenal chef. He introduced me to many culinary adventures, often getting me to eat foods I generally didn’t like. He also set me up with his 54 Telecaster that I played as my main guitar for years. He went on to his next adventure beyond our realm on Sunday. I certainly will miss you. “

Caroleigh McClain, his sister-in-law: “His Yorkshire Pudding was my favorite Christmas dish!”

Mark is survived by his wife of 40 years, Janet McClain; daughters and sons-in-law, Terra and Brandon Newingham, Kathleen “Katie” and Michael Bates, and Morgan McClain; granddaughters, Guinevere McClain and Claire Newingham; siblings, Patricia and Terry Orr, Michael and Caroleigh McClain, Bryan and Susan McClain; as well as many beloved extended family members and friends. Preceded in death by sister, Kathleen “Kiki” McClain Dixon Arkell; parents, Robert and Dorothy McClain; and nephew, Christopher McClain.

The love of his family and friends is the measure of the man. Celebrate his life by remembering when, where, and how you met, and the life-vignettes you shared.

MEMORIAL SERVICE IS Scheduled FOR:

Saturday October 8th, 2022

10:30 am 

In the John P. Brooks Chapel 

North Dallas Funeral Home

North Texas Funerals and Cremations


2710 Valley View Lane

Dallas, Texas 75234

Leave A Condolence

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Testimonials

Liza B.Dallas, TX
Read More
"I highly recommend this funeral home and crematorium; when I had to make and pay for my brother’s arrangements across state lines, Evelyn Montonya, in particular, demonstrated both compassion and professionalism and made a very sad and difficult situation much easier. Many thanks."
Gloria M.Dallas, TX
Read More
"The unexpected passing of my husband was a very difficult and trying time for my boys and I. I had the good fortune of having Abel walk us thru this process. Working with him was such a weight off my shoulders. He was professional, so polite and helpful. The service was beautiful – never did I feel rushed or like just another customer. They gave me the time I needed and I appreciate that so much! Also Mr. Brooks took special care of my husband as he is a fellow mason. I would highly recommend working with Abel and North Dallas Funeral Home."
Lance G.Dallas, TX
Read More
"Everyone at North Dallas Funeral Home was very professional, kind, and caring, in all steps of the process from the first phone call to the service held at their location. They help to make the process as easy and comforting in my opinion as to be expected, I would recommend their service to anyone. Thank You to everyone who helped me and my family. Sincerely,"
Jason H.Dallas, TX
Read More
"As soon as the call was made to Mr. Wayne Baxter all of my brothers final needs were taken care of. They walked me through what to expect the timeline and even dealt with the cemetery and the grave diggers. I was a hot mess due to my brothers sudden and unexpected passing. The experience was seamless and made it easy for my brother’s friends and family to say their last goodbyes. They even had the size to accommodate such a large group that showed up . The package deals that they offered were cost-effective and didn’t break my bank account. They included extras and accommodations that other funeral homes charged extra for. All the staff was amazing including Mr. Don Dodd . I can not thank them enough for all their help."
The Gillilands
The Gillilands[click to read more]
Read More
Dear John,

It was such a nice pleasure to meet you, and what you had planned for my father just took my breath away. It was so special to hear you tell us how he would just come over to talk with you. I think it brought him much comfort. Tha you for putting that Air Force article of him on your website. I am going to have a replica made of the painting of his plane to give you.

Thank you again for all you have done to honor our dad.

Love, The Gillilands

Previous
Next

Get In Touch

Location

Immediate Attention

Contact Us

North Dallas Funeral Home

Search Obituaries

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Important Information

    • When a Death has occurred please call us to make arrangements and to have one of our care team members assist you and your family immediately.

Toll-free: 1-800-300-1655
Local: 972-241-9100

    1. Click here to Download the Cremation Forms
    1. Have the cremation authorization form notarized
    1. Fax the forms back to us at:
      972-406-1480

Additional Information

Founder's Message

Dallas Funeral Planning